A Successful Interview - The Significance of Enthusiasm & Preparedness

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A+ Resumes for Teachers

Candace Davies, President of A+ Resumes for Teachers, is a Certified Resume Writer, Interview Coach Strategist, and Author of 8 popular educational job search ebooks. She is dedicated to assisting teachers, administrators and other education professionals to advance their career quickly, easily and with less stress. Candace takes pride in using innovative writing and formatting techniques to ensure her clients’ job search documents get results. Visit her website at http://resumes-for-teachers.com/a/main.htm or sign up to receive free weekly teaching job search tips, interview questions and answers and other career advice by visiting http://resumes-for-teachers.com/a/sign-up.htm

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Suppose your hard work and long hours of re-working your resume and cover letter have finally paid-off. Tomorrow is the “BIG” interview. Now your nervousness has set in and you’re not sure what you’ll say. No need to lose your nerve; I’ve put together great tips that will help you ease those interview jitters. Read on.

Keep in mind, the interview process is simply a discussion between you and a potential employer. It’s usually that straightforward. What do you need? A little preparation, some practice, and a whole lot of enthusiasm will increase your chances of winning at the game of interviewing. Try out these ideas to help you through the process:

BEFORETHEINTERVIEW

1. Take the time to research the organization and the specific job for which you’re applying. Thoroughly review a copy of the job description to give you insight into the details of the position. Identify how your skills and abilities fill the requirements of the position. To succeed, it’s vital to learn as much as you can about the organization, including what it does, the service provides, and the clients it serves.

2. Make a list of your traits and skills that match the job qualifications and description. Be prepared to show examples of work experiences in which you employed those skills.

3. Comprise a list of questions that you may be asked and prepare your answers. To practice them, conduct a mock interview with a friend or family member. But take the position that it’s the real thing.

4. Organize a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Remember, in this two-way conversation, you’ll have an opportunity to ask the interview panel your own questions. Beware: This will not be the time to as about benefits and vacation; these questions are better asked until you get offered the position.

THEBIGDAY

1. Dressing for a successful interview requires wearing clothing that’s a dressier than you’d wear to work every day.

2. Don’t be left without your essentials. Take an extra copy of your resume, a typed list of your references, a pen, and your portfolio displaying the best examples of your work.

3. Arrive early; it’s imperative. One rule of thumb is to ensure that you arrive at the interview place at least five minutes before your scheduled interview time. That means allowing yourself plenty of time to find the interview site and parking options nearby.

4. Illustrate your energy and enthusiasm for the position by maintaining eye contact and providing non-verbal feedback. Pay strict attention to how you move and articulate.

5. Emphasize your assets and talents. Show the interview panel you can perform the job and you’ll fit well in the organization. Make sure you share examples or stories to confirm your strengths/assets to the district. Always speak positively about yourself, others, and previous positions.

6. One interviewer will likely guide you through questions. At some point, it will be your turn to make enquiries. Make your question planning session pay off for you! Once your questions are answered, your interview is generally over. Calculate that most interviews take between 30 and 60 minutes.

7. Before the interview is completed, reiterate your interest in the position, exhibiting your enthusiasm about the company, and exuding confidence in meeting the expectations of the position.

AFTERTHEINTERVIEW

1. Once you have completed your interview, be prepared to wait anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before you hear back from your interviewer.

2. Within about 24 hours of having completed your interview, send a thank you letter to the interviewer and/or committee. This gives you an additional opportunity to show your interest in the company and illustrate a few key points that make you the perfect candidate for this position.

Read more tips in "A Guide to Teacher Interviews":http://teaching.monster.com/careers/3373-a-guide-to-teacher-interviews